Imola circuit president pushes for additional race in 2026 to recover from flood-induced losses

The Imola GP contract terminates in the 2025 Formula One season.

Imola circuit president pushes for additional race in 2026 to recover from flood-induced losses

The Imola Circuit (Image credit: Racingnews365)

Amidst the tragic and lethal floods in northern Italy, Formula One has made the prudent call to cancel this seasons Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The decision was rooted in prioritizing safety and relieving strain on emergency services. After consultations with Italian officials, the responsible choice underscores a commitment to the well-being of all.

However, to make up for the losses Imola President Gian Carlo Minardi insists on an additional race at the Italian circuit. He mentioned having a contract until 2025 but expressed a desire to arrange the GP for 2026 as well. This way, he believed they could contribute to the region by generating significant funds. The race’s positive impact on the region, particularly the Italian Motor Valley, was emphasized, with an annual influx of €270 million.

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“We hope for an ‘extra’ Grand Prix in the future. We have a contract until 2025, but we would very much like to organise the GP also in 2026. That way we would be able to give something back to the region together because it keeps a lot of money from an F1 race. We are talking about an annual €270 million that comes in thanks to the F1 race,” said Minardo according to Racing365.

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Also read: Imola GP’s cancellation spurs financial woes for Liberty Media and Formula One

Imola circuit spared as locals bear the brunt of flood damage

The Imola Circuit submerged due heavy flooding earlier this year (Image credit: sportanddev)

In the wake of extensive flooding across the Emilia-Romagna region, Formula One staff had received instructions to avoid the circuit premises. In the adjacent city of Imola, certain residents were even advised to seek refuge on higher floors within their residences. Notably, the Santerno River flows close to the track, amplifying the urgency of the situation. All this indicated a heavy loss of life and property in the Imola area.

Minardi mentioned in the same interview that their luck with the circuit’s safety, contrasting it with the region’s damage, like in Faenza. The impact on locals was significant. Swiftly, they provided aid through foundations and fellow racing enthusiasts. Gratefulness persists towards their collaborators for their efforts during that time.

“We ourselves were very lucky that the circuit did not suffer any damage, but the same is not true for the rest of the region. For example, in Faenza, they suffered a lot of damage at the time and this had a great impact on the local population,” Gian Carlo Minardi further continued.

In the realm of the 2023 calendar, the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix marks the second cancellation. Preceding this, the Chinese Grand Prix was called off in December due to pandemic-related worries. Should rescheduling fail to occur, the season will echo the previous year with 22 races, falling short of the 23-race record.

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